Match Thread: Port Vale v Colchester Utd

[Jermaine Holwynn]

Steve speed, show why you were on an advert in Scandinavia about 3 years ago and get that massive clay square up to league 2 ref standard.

The weather helps us and they will hate it, it’s got to stay on.

[PV1973]

12 hours ago, MBE said:

Players have got used to playing 4 3 3 and particularly what positions to get into when defending 

Thats why I don't think JA will change it.

Plenty of options at right back, Atkinson, Evans, Oyeleke has played there in the past and Montano is a better leftback than winger in my opinion. 

Agree with you on Monty. Can't see Oyeleke playing after only 15 -20 mins too much of a risk. Evans for me is a liability at full back. His positional sense is very poor in particular defending the back post. Atkinson is the only real viable option for at right back but I do worry about him against a tricky winger. 

 

 

I’d say that Monty isn’t as good a fullback as Clark or Gibbo When both those are back though. 
 

Given that Nouble is a bit of a beast for them I wouldn’t rule out Smith going to full back. In the away game it was a good battle between Nouble and Gibbo and eventually Gibbo got to grips with him when he didn’t get involved in a physical battle with him. Atkinson may well get the run around given that he isn’t as quick as Clark or gibbo. That would be the only reason I can see smith going there, to try and batter him out of the game. 

[onestepatatime]

57 minutes ago, Rampant Zebra said:

Farce is fine for me if we win! Comedy goal where their keeper kicks it out and a gust of wind blows it back into their goal would work for me...

👍

[TheSage]

The weather here is very wet and very windy, with the forecast for more of the same all afternoon. Horrible in other words. I hope the pitch stands up to it. Not promising at all. But sometimes games in conditions like these can be entertaining with lots of mistakes, sliding tackles and the strong wind playing games with the ball. Wrap up warm.

[TJHValiant]

Colchester over the last two seasons have always been very impressive against us. This season, our 1-1 opener remains one of the toughest matches we have had and we were good, but lucky for a point. Last season, in a fixture around a similar time, was one of the all time worst Vale performances I have seen. 3-0 but should have been many many more. 

A game to show how far we have come over the past 12 months, but this is the one game where a defeat would not be a disgrace given the players we have missing.

[CambridgeDon]

I think Askey will go for Smudger this afternoon in preference to Atko. When we played Colchester at their place in August, Nouble gave Gibbo a torrid time. Don't get me wrong, Gibbo played well but he was up against a far taller and more physically powerful opponent. So, given it's going to be so combative (alll over the pitch, for that matter), I think Smudger will get the shout. 

Lots of players missing and could be touch and go but we'll do OK - we've had to play a lot of games recently without first choice players but JA really has them motivated. 

C'mon, Vale - three points and we'll be flying.

[philmpv]

Cullen and smith in

[Old fort]

Only thing that concerns me about playing Smith anywhere other than central defence is that what we gain in physicality,  we lose in technique and ability on the ball, because let's be honest, Smith does defend exceptionally well, but he's not the most comfortable player on the ball and his distribution is poor, but whoever plays, I'm sure that they will be up to the challenge. 

[PV1973]

1 minute ago, Old fort said:

Only thing that concerns me about playing Smith anywhere other than central defence is that what we gain in physicality,  we lose in technique and ability on the ball, because let's be honest, Smith does defend exceptionally well, but he's not the most comfortable player on the ball and his distribution is poor, but whoever plays, I'm sure that they will be up to the challenge. 

Odds on him getting up and down the wing and either scoring a worldie or swinging in some great crosses are slim you’re saying then?

[philmpv]

Only thing that concerns me about playing Smith anywhere other than central defence is that what we gain in physicality,  we lose in technique and ability on the ball, because let's be honest, Smith does defend exceptionally well, but he's not the most comfortable player on the ball and his distribution is poor, but whoever plays, I'm sure that they will be up to the challenge. 

Agree. The playing of a CB at FB was a massive stick used to beat NA with! Would have much preferred Atkinson there myself

[valefan16]

Smudge will win possession, make a pass and a bursting run to fire home easy like he did at Mansfield...


Maybe... it’s a gamble and focuses on dealing with Nouble rather than letting them deal with us, hope it pays off!

[davehartshill]

Having seen some awful pitches in recent weeks, our ground staff deserve a massive applause for the fantastic shape our pitch is in!

[PV1973]

Horrendous conditions to play football in though. Hope the game doesn’t suffer too much. Think I’d take a draw now. 

[CambridgeDon]

There will be battles all over the pitch today but the one between Nouble and Smith will be fascinating to watch. We may lose out in terms of attacking play down the right but Nouble is a dangerous player and keeping him in check is vital. My money's on Smudger.

UTV.

[PVFC764]

PV1973 - Seeing the problems we have had with our pitch over the years, it looks really good and shows how much work the groundsmen have put into it when you see other clubs pitches.